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Rob Macleod makes Canadian radio history, signs off after 10-year blues show run

Rob Macleod recently wrapped up the blues programming on myFM Kincardine after 10 years of the show. The show became the longest running blues program on commercial radio in Canadian history. A big thank you was given to the Bruce County Blues Society and all the loyal listeners who made it possible. Pictured: Sita and Rob Macleod pose for a picture in Point Clark Canada while home visiting from Germany. Rob Macleod recently wrapped up the longest running blues show in Canadian history after being on the air waves for 10 years.

Kincardine native Rob Macleod wrapped up the longest running blues show on commercial radio in Canadian history over the holidays.

It's been 10 years of keeping the blues alive for a local disc jockey who has been putting on blues shows since Kincardine's first radio station was born. The Coast FM, the predecessor to myFM, was a new feature to Kincardine's downtown in 2006, playing the classic hits and also made room for local programs thanks to Mike Brough, who was the General Manager and brain behind the station at that time.

"I started at the Coast playing 'My forgotten mixed tapes' which was a show that featured rare and obscure music," said blues show creator Rob Macleod.

A group called the Bruce County Blues Society came onto the Kincardine scene and brought with them a call to keep the Blues alive in the area.

"We partnered up with the BCBS and launched a one-hour blues show to be played every week in 2007," added Macleod.

A connection was made with blues artists all over Canada to feature their music in the blues shows.

"I was exposed to the blues thanks to my dad, and I did have my own interest for the genre," Macleod said. "We were able to offer a unique blend of classic and current Canadian blues."

The show grew after two years and went to a two hour show played every week and even though the local talent moved out of the area it was technology that allowed the show to continue.

"I was ready to wrap up the show when I went to return to school to become a teacher, but the demand from listeners and the support from myFM allowed the show to continue," Macleod added.

The DJ was able to record his shows and sent them as files to later be plugged into the programming at the radio station.

The radio station was purchased by myFM in 2010 and moved the studio in downtown Kincardine. After five years of the blues show being on the air it became the longest running blues show on commercial radio in Canadian history and shortly after that mark it became a three-hour show.

"For the last five years, I've able to do the show remotely from Germany while living there," Macleod said.

The 10 year milestone was then hit in the spring of 2017 and the decision came later last year to finally wrap up the show.

"I want to thank everyone who helped make the show a success for so long," Macleod said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed doing it, but everything has it's season. I appreciate having been able to provide enjoyment for so many loyal listeners for so long."

The support of the Bruce County Blues Society and sponsorship also added to the success of the show and a local radio station made Canadian history.